A recent study conducted by Mark Stallings, farmer and owner of the Delta New Holland dealership, helped persuade the OEM to start offering the Goodyear LSW Super Single lines, according to Titan. On two test plots in Missouri, seed corn was planted in alternating rows with two identical New Holland T8.300 255 horsepower tractors.

Agronomists Jake Mikels and Brandon Dirnberger from Wheat Tech Agronomy, provided agronomic oversight for the test. The first tractor was fitted with standard 380/80R38 duals on the front and 480/80R50 dual rears. The second tractor was fitted with Goodyear super single LSW1000/40R32 fronts and Goodyear super single LSW1100/45R46 rears.

Results showed the plot with Goodyear super singles had less soil compaction and yielded an average of five bushels more per acre compared with the standard duals. That is a $16 per acre advantage, which would equate to $24,000 in annual additional yield profit over 1,500 acres.

Up to 80% of tractors come factory-equipped with narrow duals, but only one-third of growers actually need to run between the rows post-emergence, according to Titan. The Super Single setup that New Holland has adopted for their T8 lines allows for running at significantly lower inflation pressures, reducing soil compaction compared with standard duals and increasing yield. The setup also increases contact area by nearly 2% , which lowers ground-bearing pressure compared with standard factory setups running dual 420/85R34 fronts and dual 480/80R50 rears. In addition to decreasing soil compaction, power hop and road lope, the reduced overall width of the setup makes for easier roading and sharper turning compared to factory duals.

“New Holland has long been at the forefront of innovation in the agriculture industry, and they’re showing that again by recognizing the benefit of offering an alternative to narrow duals that provides much better performance,” says Scott Sloan, agricultural product manager for Titan and Goodyear Farm Tires. “By offering this particular Goodyear super single LSW tire setup at the OEM level, New Holland is taking the necessary steps to get their customers what they need.”

In addition to this latest Super Single setup for MFWD tractors, Titan offers LSW flotation options for sprayers, combines and 4WD tractors. Titan recently released the LSW1400/30R46, the widest flotation option currently available for 4WD tractors, according to the company.

Yokohama Tire Corp. has chosen West Point, Miss., as the site for an eco-friendly playground to be built October 28 at Marshall Park.

West Point is the home of Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi (YTMM), a one-million-square-foot plant that opened in October of 2015.

Yokohama is partnering with KaBoom! – the national non-profit dedicated to ensuring that all kids get a childhood filled with the balanced and active play needed to thrive – on the one-day build.

This is the third playground-build collaboration between Yokohama and KaBoom! The first two were built in Southern California and Rockland, Mass.

Approximately 200 volunteers from the Yokohama plant and the local community will build the playground.

“We appreciate the support of the local community and are happy to give back to the community,” says Alan Holtschneider, Yokohama’s director of marketing. “We hope this new playground will be a fun place for kids and families in the community and benefit them for years to come.”

“We are truly honored that Yokohama Tire and KaBoom! have chosen Marshall Park to build a brand-new playground for the kids in West Point to enjoy,” says West Point Mayor Robbie Robinson. “This is a dream come true for the city. Thank you, Yokohama and KaBoom!”

Yokohama and KaBoom! will meet with local parents and their children on Design Day (August 15) to help design the playground and pick out color schemes and equipment for the kids to play on, including new environmentally safe, “Cradle to Cradle”-certified playground apparatuses.

“Yokohama and the City of West Point are true partners in helping us reach our goal of bringing balanced and active play to all kids,” said Lysa Ratliff, KaBoom! vice president, corporate partnerships. “This playground will help kids have the childhood they deserve through a great, safe place to play.”

Yokohama Tire Corp. is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., a global manufacturing and sales company of premium tires that’s celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2017. The company’s product line includes tires for high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, and off-the-road mining and construction applications.

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) is projecting that 2017 U.S. tire shipments will drop slightly to 318.1 million units compared to 318.4 million in 2016.

The USTMA (formerly the Rubber Manufacturers Association) expects original equipment (OE) passenger tire shipments to decrease by 1.8 million units compared to 2016 while passenger replacement tire shipments are projected to increase by 1.8 million units.

Original equipment light truck and truck tire shipments are expected to increase while decreases are projected for replacement light truck and truck tire shipments.

Like this:

Titan International Inc. reported its second consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth in net sales. For the second quarter of 2017, the company recorded net sales of $364.4 million, up 10% compared to $330.2 million in the year-ago quarter.

The company reported a loss of $10.3 million in the second quarter versus a $5.2 million loss in 2016’s second quarter.

Net sales for the first six months of 2017 were $721.9 million, an increase of 11% when compared to $652.0 million in the first six months of 2016. Titan recorded a loss of $20.8 million for the first six months of 2017, versus a loss of $23.1 million for the first six months of 2016.

The company’s top line growth of 10% included an 18% improvement within its agriculture (AG) segment, according to Paul Reitz, CEO and president.

“Following a protracted downturn of more than four years, these results continue to demonstrate early signs of a recovery and provide optimism moving into 2018,” said Reitz.

“AG continues to be sluggish at the OEMs, but our moves in the North America aftermarket have benefited Titan thus far in 2017. Along with the AG gains this quarter, we continue to see market conditions improve in aftermarket mining and construction which fits well with our strategy that was launched almost two years ago to position ourselves to capture more of this business.

“The current quarter saw sequential gross margin improvement, up from 11.1% in the first quarter to 12.0% in the second. This improvement was in spite of significant raw material pricing headwinds that negatively impacted gross profit by approximately $11 million during the second quarter. Although we believe that raw material pricing has now stabilized, our OEM contracts in North America did not allow us to fully pass through these higher costs during the quarter. Because of these headwinds, we did not reach the gross margin level we experienced this quarter last year; however, with the increased pricing that has now taken place with the OEMs and the raw material price stabilization, we do not anticipate further negative impacts from raw material prices in the second half of this year.”

Agreements with the United Steelworkers Union at three North American tire plants were among several positive developments in the second quarter, according to Reitz.

“These new five-year contracts provide added profit incentives for our union workforce while providing Titan with more economic flexibility. This will benefit all stakeholders and allow Titan to maintain our position as a leader in the North American tire market.

“We are excited that New Holland recently began offering our Low Sidewall Technology (LSW) tractor setup with LSW1000/40R32 fronts and super single LSW1100/45R46 rears. Last year, a study was conducted by Mark Stallings, a farmer and owner of the Delta New Holland dealership, which compared standard duals to LSWs. As we previously announced, the study demonstrated that LSWs deliver higher yields. Because of this successful study and the efforts of Mr. Stallings, we are now able to offer that same LSW tractor setup to all New Holland customers.

“We recently had a couple of good wins at ITM, our undercarriage business. We obtained 100% of the global forestry business with a major, global OEM. Also, we were named the preferred supplier on D10 and D11 tracks with another major, global mining operator.”

Raw material prices hurt margins: Titan said increases in raw material costs across all markets and geographies negatively impacted gross margins during the second quarter of 2017 due to the timing of passing along increased costs to its end customers. Gross profit for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017, was $43.6 million, flat compared with $43.7 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 12% of net sales for the latest quarter, compared with 13.2% in the prior year period.

Gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2017, was $83.3 million, up 16% from $72.0 million in the comparable prior year period. Gross margin was 11.5% of net sales for the first six months of 2017, compared with 11% in the comparable prior year period. Titan said the increase in gross profit percentage was primarily related to its Business Improvement Framework initiatives that focus on lowering costs and increasing efficiencies. The company said these efforts more than offset the significant increases in raw material costs experienced in both the first and second quarters of 2017.

Operating income improved: Income from operations for the second quarter of 2017 was $4.0 million, or 1.1% of net sales, compared to income of $2.6 million, or 0.8% of net sales, for the second quarter of 2016, an improvement of 53%.

Loss from operations for the first six months of 2017 was $3.1 million, or 0.4% of net sales, compared to a loss of $8.9 million, or 1.4% of net sales, for the first six months of 2016, an improvement of 65%.

Costs were reduced: Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses and “Profit Leaks” were going to be areas of focus, according to James Froisland, chief financial officer and chief information officer. He said, “We are pleased to see that our efforts are paying off as SG&A costs during the quarter went down nearly $2 million on a year-over-year basis while our net sales increased. We still have work to do and our plan is to not only reduce variable SG&A, but also take a hard look at our fixed SG&A costs.”

Like this:

Michelin North America Inc. has added a light truck tire to the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A line. The BFGoodrich Advantage T/A LT tire is offered in sizes ranging from 15-inch to 22-inch with T, H and V speed ratings, and will include 12 new sizes (two 18-inch, five 19-inch, four 20-inch and one 22-inch).

The company says the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A tire and Advantage T/A LT tire share the same advanced construction designed to deliver the ideal combination of performance and versatility. This premium all-season and all-purpose performance is backed by improved hydroplaning resistance, snow traction and enhanced handling. The Advantage T/A tire line is designed to equip drivers for real-world scenarios when weather and road conditions change.

“BFGoodrich Tires has long been a market leader in performance tires, for both on- and off-road driving,” says Matthew Cabe, marketing manager. “The brand is committed to transferring high- performance technology that benefits the everyday driver. ‘All-Season All-Purpose’ is the core of the design focus for this product line. Our commitment is to provide the most well-balanced, consistent handling product on the market. The Advantage T/A LT tire affirms its true winter performance, delivers best-in-class handling, and consistent performance in all weather conditions.”

The Advantage T/A tires feature locking 3-D active sipes, which provide more biting edges, and designed for increased wet and snow traction. The company says Aqua-Flume technology is a complex network of grooves in the tire designed to disperse water from the contact patch. The full-depth tread maintains consistent performance and look throughout the life of the tire.

Additionally, the Advantage T/A LT tire features an enhanced structure and compounds that achieve the “three-peak mountain snowflake” rating by exceeding the United States Tire Manufacturers’ Association’s (formerly the Rubber Manufacturer Association’s) “Severe Snow Traction” requirements.

The Advantage T/A® LT tire is initially available in 10 sizes. It will be available in 33 sizes on Sept., 1 delivering coverage for more than 70% of SUV and light-truck fitments.

The company says the expansion completes the brand’s power line strategy to simplify its product mix by combining the performance characteristics of four previous tire lines into one. Six additional sizes for Advantage T/A LT are expected to launch in the first quarter of 2018.

The Advantage T/A LT tire delivers 9% better hydroplaning performance and 10% better handling that its predecessor tire. The new tire also offers advanced mileage, with up to 20,000 more miles than its predecessor tire.

The BFGoodrich Advantage T/A LT tire is offered in sizes ranging from 15-inch to 22-inch with T, H and V speed ratings, and will include 12 new sizes (two 18-inch, five 19-inch, four 20-inch and one 22-inch).

Whether consumers need all-season traction, best-in-class wet braking, or a comfortable ride, Continental says its line of performance and passenger tires is engineered to fit their needs. Eligible tires are the ExtremeContact DWS06, Pure Contact and TrueContact.

Also eligible for the rebate is the TerrainContact A/T, Continental’s newest truck tire. The company says the all-terrain tire for CUV, SUV and light trucks has the durability to conquer dirt, gravel and grass while providing a quiet, comfortable ride on pavement.

The purchase of a set of Continental tires is backed by the company’s Total Confidence Plan. The comprehensive package includes limited warranty, flat tire roadside assistance, customer satisfaction trial, mileage warranty (if applicable), and road hazard coverage.

To be eligible for the promotion, tires must be purchased in a single transaction. This promotion is void where prohibited by state law and offer is valid in the forty-eight (48) contiguous Continental U.S. and D.C

Like this:

Hankook Tire America Corp. is promoting eight of its most popular passenger and light truck tires in the 2017 “Great Hit” mail-in rebate promotion. Consumers can save up to $100 on qualifying tires.

Consumers who purchase four qualifying Hankook passenger or light truck tires from an authorized Hankook dealer between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30, 2017, are eligible for a mail-in rebate of up to $100. Consumers can submit online at http://www.hankooktirerebates.com.

“As Americans continue to enjoy summer road travel and gear up for back-to-school, the Great Hit rebate provides drivers with valuable savings on some of our most popular high-performance light truck and passenger tires,” says Wes Boling, public relations manager for Hankook Tire America Corp.

“With the success of our previous ‘Great Catch’ rebate promotion this spring, we decided to expand the number of available tires from seven to eight, bringing on the Hankook Dynapro MT as new addition to the rebate lineup.”

A list of the qualifying tires offered through the 2017 Great Hit rebate, and descriptions of each tire provided by Hankook, follow.

Hankook Kinergy GT (Pattern Code: H436) $70 rebate – Featuring wider circumferential four-channel grooves, the new and cutting edge KINERGY GT tire is designed to provide maximum water evacuation for better grip and traction. The premium grand touring all-season tire is designed and optimized to perform in wet, dry and winter conditions, in addition to providing a quiet and comfortable driving experience.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. and the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) are encouraging teens and young adults to learn how to conduct three basic monthly tire safety checks through the new Tread Wisely Challenge.

Participating schools, clubs, groups and organizations will compete against one another this year for the chance to win prizes.

The Tread Wisely Challenge is open to any school, club, group or organization whose members are high school or college age. Groups register to participate and host a kick-off event, encouraging other teens and young adults to complete their own tire safety checks.

The kick-off event allow youth leaders to inform their peers about tire safety, including how to complete the three monthly checks for tire pressure, tread depth and overall tire condition.

Each student is provided with a free tire safety kit supplied by Cooper and NOYS. Then those in attendance are asked to complete at least one tire safety check on their own using what they have learned. Groups that successfully complete the challenge and submit he required documentation are entered to win one of 50 available cash prizes of $500.

To encourage youth to take participate, Cooper and NOYS have activated Tread Wisely Ambassadors, a group of 13 young leaders who are passionate about tire and vehicle safety, to spread the word.

Tread Wisely Ambassadors have been attending youth conferences this year to encourage clubs and groups to participate. To date, more than 250 groups from across the nation are registered to take part including individual Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Business Professionals of America (BPA), DECA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapters.

Student groups interested in hosting a Tread Wisely Challenge event may sign up on the NOYS website. Registration must take place at least 10 days prior to conducting a kick-of event. The challenge activities must take place between Aug. 1 and Dec. 31, 2017, to be eligible for prizes.

Tread Wisely is a tire and vehicle safety program for young drivers developed in 2016 when Cooper adopted this as a signature philanthropy cause and selected NOYS as a partner in its efforts to educate and motivate young people to take necessary precautions and important safety measures when it comes to their tires and driving. The Tread Wisely Challenge is part of a larger campaign that includes sharing life-saving messages about tire safety through the free Tread Wisely app for Apple and Android devices, social media channels, the web, special youth-directed safety events, and on the ground in communities across the United States.

“A tire safety check is recommended every 30 days and before long road trips and requires just minutes to complete with three basic steps,” said Anne Roman, Cooper’s Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs. “Cooper has launched the national Tread Wisely Challenge to educate young drivers on how to conduct these checks so they can keep themselves, their friends and loved ones safer on the road. It’s one of many ways we are spreading tire and vehicle safety information to young people through our Tread Wisely initiative.”

“The goal of the Tread Wisely Challenge is to educate and empower young drivers to keep their tires in good condition. By mobilizing communities around the country, we hope to share this message with thousands of teens and young adults,” said April Rai, Interim Executive Director for the National Organizations for Youth Safety. “NOYS has successfully implemented and supported nationwide student challenges for more than 20 years, and we believe schools, student groups and communities will see the importance of this educational message and make the Tread Wisely Challenge a great success.”

To learn more about the Tread Wisely program and the Tread Wisely Challenge, and for official program rules, visit http://www.treadwisely.org.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. will not have any production problems with the United Steelworkers (USW) for five years if a new tentative agreement is ratified by USW workers.

The tentative agreement on a five-year master labor contract covers nearly 7,000 workers at five plants in the United States. In the recent past, three-year contracts have been standard in the tire industry.

“We believe we have crafted a new labor agreement that positions both Goodyear and the United Steelworkers for success in the future,” says Jim Allen, Goodyear’s vice president of global labor relations. No other details were disclosed.

The tentative agreement is subject to a ratification vote by USW members at the five plants covered by the contract: Akron, Ohio; Danville, Va.; Fayetteville, N.C.; Gadsden, Ala.; and Topeka, Kan. The local unions are expected to schedule ratification votes within the next few weeks.

The USW’s Goodyear Policy Committee met in Gadsden, Ala., in early March to discuss items of importance for the negotiations, which concluded this summer.